Everest Gokyo & EBC diamond

Optional early arrival

Optionally, give yourself time to wind down, explore the city and recover from long flights. We arrange airport transfer and book the hotel to suit.

Day 1 - arrive Kathmandu 1350m

After an introduction to Thamel soon after arrival, we meet for a 6pm trek briefing.

2 - fly to Lukla 2850m, trek Phakding 2650m

We take a direct, sometimes fickle, flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. In the cooler air, we trek to the long village of Phakding. Usually, it is surprisingly cold here.

3 - trek Namche 3450m

With the altitude, this otherwise straightforward walk feels longer and tougher for the unacclimatized but the reward is reaching this delightful mountain resort.

4 - Namche 3450m

We have a rest-exploration day in Namche. Do visit the gompa and national park headquarters and explore the cafes plus gear shops.

5 - trek Kyangjuma 3600m

Do we trek via scenic Khumjung or take the quicker direct route? Our stay at Tashi's delightful place further aids acclimatisation and offers an incredible Ama Dablam panorama.

6 - trek Dole 4040m

Soon after leaving Kyangjuma, we branch off the main trail to a traversing trail with a great panorama. We lunch at Mong with its wide view then continue with another drop and climb to Dole.

7 - trek Machermo 4410m

Climbing above the treeline, this is a shorter trek day on account of the altitude gain.

8 - trek Gokyo 4750m

A beautiful, shorter trek day. For a not-too-strenuous view, climb the moraine behind Gokyo for a fab view.

9 - Gokyo exploring 4750m

The best viewpoint is Gokyo Ri, a couple of hours climb from the lodges however there are plenty of alternative viewpoints, some more strenuous than others.

10 - trek Thaknag 4700m

Crossing the rubble-covered glacier is strenuous and rough, as is climbing up the moraine and over to this small set of lodges.

11 - trek Dzonglha 4830m via Chola 5330m

We leave smartly for this tough day. frist we climb up the valley to a small pass then eventually climb up using the steel rope to balance on the steep rock slabs. The descent is initially on a glacier, on a well marked trail.

12 - trek Gorak Shep 5180m

We traverse around a large ridge with a panoply of peaks always in view, and rejoin the main Everest trail, and soon after reach the densely packed lodges of Lobuche. We continue on the ever rougher trail to Gorak Shep. Do we have time to ascend Kala Pattar this afternoon - or only tomorrrow?

13 - trek Pheriche 4280m

We head to Everest Base Camp (or Kala Pattar, if we didn't climb yesterday) then descend and descend to Pheriche. Here it is possible to take a heli charter to Lukla, if we are running late.

14 - trek Namche

Continuing down, there is that last sting-in-the-tail climb up from Phunke Tenga, the river, up to Kangjuma and eventually to Namche.

15 - trek Lukla

While mostly downhill, this is a longer day's trekking. We can alternatively stay in Cheplung, and tomorrow get up a little earlier for the last 45 minute walk to Lukla. Note that occasionally the Lukla flight can be delayed by low visibility and bad weather.

16 - fly Lukla - Kathmandu

We take a morning flight from Lukla to Ramechap then drive 5-6 hours to Kathmandu, arriving around dinner time. Flying conditions are usually ok at this time of year however if the flight is cancelled and a heli flight is not readily available then the best option is to walk around 45 minutes to Surkie then take a bouncy jeep to Salleri, arriving late. 

17 - depart (late)

Did our flight work smoothly yesterday? If so, you have a some shopping or relaxing before leaving. We suggest you plan a late flight on account of the possibility of a Lukla flight delay. (If we took a jeep to Salleri then today we drive to Kathmandu, arriving late afternoon.)

Heli exit

Now, some trekkers take a heli charter from Lobuche or Pheriche to Lukla. This heli charter cost are not included in the trip cost, and are variably priced, depending on demand. Allow USD350-500 per person, although sometimes costs can be higher.

Once at Lukla, are you early enough to take a further flight, Lukla to Ramechhap by the standard fixed wing flight that day or do you wait until tomorrow, or do you take another heli charter back to Ramechhap/Kathmandu, USD400-600 per person, depending on conditions.